Kings

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 15, 2009
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 166 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 166
  3. Negative: 12 out of 166
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User Reviews

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  1. H.Cole
    Jan 3, 2010
    10
    The reason for failure is because it is on NBC which is in severe decline. If NBC sold the rights to the FOX network (like '24') it would go to the sky in ratings. 'Kings' is the only program we have viewed on NBC in years. I happened on it in the iTunes lineup and downloaded the season. Even our 15yr. old son and 13 yr. old daughter were locked in on the show. We are The reason for failure is because it is on NBC which is in severe decline. If NBC sold the rights to the FOX network (like '24') it would go to the sky in ratings. 'Kings' is the only program we have viewed on NBC in years. I happened on it in the iTunes lineup and downloaded the season. Even our 15yr. old son and 13 yr. old daughter were locked in on the show. We are all hoping to see it again...soon!… Expand
  2. DaveG
    Apr 6, 2009
    8
    Color me intrigued so far, especially coming from network TV, where I thought imagination died a couple of decades back. They still have ample time to screw things up by branching off to aliens from space, Inca mysticism, or sexual deviance behind every door. What's really astonishing is how the creators have avoided almost any form of pop culture so far. A series without Color me intrigued so far, especially coming from network TV, where I thought imagination died a couple of decades back. They still have ample time to screw things up by branching off to aliens from space, Inca mysticism, or sexual deviance behind every door. What's really astonishing is how the creators have avoided almost any form of pop culture so far. A series without McDonald's arches or a Starbucks on the corner...that's an effort in and of itself.… Expand
  3. marcusk.
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    What a great and cerebral show. I haven't enjoyed TV this much in years. It's not surprising that they now are canceling the show. Shame on NBC.
  4. DavidP
    Oct 1, 2009
    9
    I tell you given a chance, something wonderful can come out of this creative series. I think Micheal Green does a splendid work and of course I love the allusion to the Bible. Only one without interest in Biblical Adventure would underrate this series.
  5. JeremyC
    Mar 17, 2009
    9
    Lacking in many television cliches this show takes a great bible story and adapts it seamlessly to a modern world. David is believable and fittingly awkward. King Silas plays the characters and the audience with his words making him the perfect television politician. I look forward to seeing this show develop.
  6. MeghanP.
    Apr 10, 2009
    8
    I understand why the verdict on this series is "mixed reviews" instead of a more positive glow. There are moments that drag on for too long, some which could have been deleted altogether because they by their lonesome substantially .. err cornify (?) the show. However, there are others that are fascinating: characters thoughtfully developed, relationships intricately planned, complex I understand why the verdict on this series is "mixed reviews" instead of a more positive glow. There are moments that drag on for too long, some which could have been deleted altogether because they by their lonesome substantially .. err cornify (?) the show. However, there are others that are fascinating: characters thoughtfully developed, relationships intricately planned, complex scenarios that culminated as light bulb moments, perhaps. If you're watching this, don't expect to be blown away completely, but you've been warned - you'll be back for more. Besides, can I just say... OMFG Chris Egan!! (Sorry, that was the teenager in me)… Expand
  7. DomminiqueW
    Apr 8, 2009
    10
    Excellent, I am a christian and I amazed that we have stepped it up to have a great show such as this on television. I will pray that it stays on.
  8. ParkerH
    Aug 4, 2009
    10
    Absolutely inspiring. NBC please dont make the same mistake FOX made with Family Guy. Bring it back soon!
  9. TravisL
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    This was one of the better TV shows I have seen. No other show has gotten me to sit down on a specific night to watch in a very long while. Ian McShane is an awesome actor to watch. He sucked me in with Deadwood a while back, now I just look for that guy to entertain.
  10. MelissaL
    Mar 15, 2009
    10
    This show is so great!!! I can't wait to see what happens next! There's nothing like this at all on television now. The show has so much substance, intrigue, and drama, and keeps me glued to my seat in anticipation. I can't imagine anyone could be bored with this series. It's the best show on prime time, without a doubt.
  11. markf
    Mar 15, 2009
    9
    I would watch Ian McShane read the telephone book. This is the next best thing to "Deadwood" (for the time being). I'm hooked.
  12. LeeJ
    Mar 15, 2009
    9
    I thought it was great!!!! From the acting to the story line. Everything Was Amazing!! I think it will be the biggest show that has came i to tv in a long time. I cant wait for the nxt episode.
  13. DocBenson
    Mar 16, 2009
    9
    Great premise. Interesting use of classic literature in contemporary culture.
  14. ColinC
    Mar 17, 2009
    8
    Good fun! Yes, it's very melodramatic and reminds me of a contemporary version of Dallas of Dynasty. And there's nothing wrong with that. Both the wife and I are planning to watch this again. Lots of intrigue and a classy style to boot.
  15. LeeAdama
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    Best. Show. Ever.
  16. AndyS
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed the premiere and commend NBC for doing something so noteworthy and bold. They really went out of the ordinary here and invested in some creative teams and actors. Hopefully the ratings will increase, because I would like to see this show to the end... not the near end mind you.
  17. DavidU
    Mar 23, 2009
    8
    I like this show. It's different. It's not perfect, but it's willing to take a risk and I appreciate that. Beautifully shot and fillmed on an epic scale. The story line is not overly complicated or overdone.
  18. DonnyB
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    I love this show - so far. I have to suspend my usual cynicism, but I enjoy the Shakespearean script & amazing architecture (think NY plus castles. . .) I hope it stays on long enough to build a base!
  19. Brian
    Mar 25, 2009
    9
    Great reimagining of the David vs. Saul story. It has breathtaking moments of transcendence and I can't wait to see more. The best new thing in a long time.
  20. GabeD
    Mar 30, 2009
    10
    Fantastic, just what Sunday night needed.
  21. Kyle
    Apr 12, 2009
    9
    In trying to walk the Christian walk, it's enjoyable to see a new take on one of the Bible's most viewed characters. I urge NBC to take another look and put a little more faith in this series. If Friday Night Lights can have so many chances, then Kings deserves just as many?
  22. NatalieC.
    Apr 12, 2009
    10
    I really like this show it was something different for a change beside reality tv, and dr shows and crime shows. The cinematography on the show is suburb. And I liked the story line. I just can't believe its getting canceled stupid network. Lets put more news on. My tv is off more then on and I'm tired of the same old show. This was different.
  23. PhilS
    Apr 27, 2009
    10
    Compared to the average network fare an obvious 10. Since I loved it from the start I was sure it was ultimately doomed. If NBC could be so "daring" as to initiate it, why couldn't they have the guts to stick with it to let it find an audience.
  24. DougJ
    May 10, 2009
    10
    Great Show, they need to show them back to back before they start up again and do a little advertising for it. The show rocks it would suck to see it get canceled.
  25. PaulineK
    May 4, 2009
    10
    I love this show. It is one of the few shows I would re-arrange my schedule to watch.
  26. WarrenZ
    May 5, 2009
    10
    I enjoyed the show. I thought it was truly daring to take a story for Biblical history and give it a modern day twist. I will watch the remaining episodes. Perhaps the professional critics will read about Saul and David during the hiatus, andcome understand what the series is about.
  27. JonnyV
    Jun 25, 2009
    8
    I think the show teeters on its own pretentiousness. There are times when the themes, characters, and scope play together so well that you get to genuinely witness brilliant television on a grandiose scale. The acting can be deliciously overdone, the dialogue witty and thought-provoking, and the dilemnas though, admittedly, rehashed, can place a new spin an a very old and dear story. It I think the show teeters on its own pretentiousness. There are times when the themes, characters, and scope play together so well that you get to genuinely witness brilliant television on a grandiose scale. The acting can be deliciously overdone, the dialogue witty and thought-provoking, and the dilemnas though, admittedly, rehashed, can place a new spin an a very old and dear story. It is these moments that pull me through the times the show trips on itself by turning that grandiose scale into an all-out ego stroke. The airs the show puts on at times are certainly off-putting, as if we have never seen these conflicts before or that we do not know the story line or what is to come. A prime example is the uprising at Port Prosperity and the kidnapping of the princess. Tired, indeed. However, Kings constantly rescues itself by providing us with excellent acting and direction coupled with a visually daring and thoughtfully crafted spin on an old tale. This show was like nothing on television, able to balance the religious aspect without tumbling into an all-out sermon. For that I can at least appreciate the difficulty in attempting to do so. Not the greatest show I have ever seen, but an excellent retelling of a classic tale. Watch it.… Expand
  28. DennisR
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    This is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. People have called this show melodramatic in a negative way. Do not believe that, it is drama.. High intelligent drama at it's best. The show really stands alone and is not to be missed. Most of television can only dream of reaching towards an epic and amazing story-line like KIngs has introduced. I really wish more shows This is one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. People have called this show melodramatic in a negative way. Do not believe that, it is drama.. High intelligent drama at it's best. The show really stands alone and is not to be missed. Most of television can only dream of reaching towards an epic and amazing story-line like KIngs has introduced. I really wish more shows would have this much originality and substance. We need to throw away generic television and promote shows that don't recycle every concept a thousand times. Like Kings.… Expand
  29. sarahr
    Jul 21, 2009
    10
    This is the smartest show I have seen in a long while -- historic yet pertinent, sophisticated yet generally appealing. If in fact it gets cancelled -- I vote for a feature length film. Make it an indie film so those who find the subject matter to be lofty of confusing wont be compelled to view it.
  30. ZebG
    Jul 5, 2009
    10
    This show is like watching graduate level programming when most tv nowadays feels like middle school.
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Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best TV Season of 2009
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
20
#20 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    30
    If only Green had not made such a cold, bland stew of such rich and tasty ingredients.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    Kings does dip in and out of predictability, when familiar Spelling soap operatics and political machinations break through the show's unique surface. But it still is a fascinating effort.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    Happily, this generally well-told tale of a modern-day king and his restive court has more going for it than a charismatic performance from the dependably wonderful “Deadwood” star.
    Read full review
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